PSNI deal with ‘passed out’ children in NI town

The PSNI said that due to the volume of complaints of youths causing anti-social behaviour in parts of Portadown, they have asked parents for help.

Areas such as Edenvilla Park, Shillingtons, the Bann, Hoyes Meadow and the Bulllring are regular hotspots.

A spokesperson said: “We regularly patrol these areas along with our partner agencies and we speak to the young people there, advising them on the consequences of antisocial behaviour and taking action where we have to. Some young people are enjoying themselves responsibly but unfortunately others play loud music or drink until they are intoxicated and need medical assistance.

“If this was simply a matter of ‘kids being kids’, or ‘they aren’t harming anyone’ then we wouldn’t get calls.

“We wouldn’t receive requests to check on a passed out teenager from Ambulance Crews heading to another emergency call.

“We wouldn’t receive calls from parents in play parks with young children complaining about the language, noise and behaviour of groups hanging about kid’s parks.

“We are asking parents in our local community to work with us to make sure our communal spaces are safe for everyone to enjoy and to protect our young people from making mistakes that can have far reaching consequences. “Please speak with your children about antisocial behaviour, how it can affect other people and how it has the potential to lead to activity that could result in a criminal record or worse. Please help your young people to understand that what they consider ‘a bit of fun’ can, in reality, be intimidating to others and their involvement in antisocial and/or criminal activity can have a serious adverse impact on future educational, travel and career options.

“We will continue to respond to calls, conduct our patrols and visit local schools to educate our young people. If we work together we can help our young people make the right choices and find other ways to spend their free time.”

https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news/crime/disgust-vandals-wreck-ni-beauty-spot-2939356

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